Best Fine Dining Restaurants in University Heights, New York City

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Areas

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Top Rated

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MICHELIN

Accessibility

Wheelchair access

43 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

1. Nobu Fifty Seven

4.7

Exceptional(6909)

€€€€

• Japanese • Midtown West

Booked 190 times today

As the first uptown New York location for legendary chef Nobu Matsuhisa, we opened with much anticipation in the summer of 2005. Nobu's co-owners are his longtime partners: renowned restaurateur Drew Nieporent, Oscar-winning actor Robert De Niro, and Hollywood film producer Meir Teper. The restaurant showcases Nobu's signature new style Japanese cuisine with classic dishes such as Tiradito Nobu Style and Black Cod Miso. The restaurant received three stars from the New York Times.

2. Nice Matin

4.6

Exceptional(5309)

€€€€

• French • Upper West Side

Booked 65 times today

For nearly two decades, Nice Matin has been the Upper West Sides most elegant, beautifully designed and sophisticated dining destination. Featuring a Wine Spectator Grand Award-winning Wine List and an extraordinary, inventive, French Provençal-inspired menu created by Chef Andy D'Amico, who was named "Best Chef" by New York Magazine food editor Gillian Duffy, Nice Matin is the essential French Brasserie and Wine Destination of the Upper West Side. Located on West 79th Street near the Bacon Theater on the Upper West Side and now serving breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner and dessert.

A photo of Caravaggio New York restaurant

3. Caravaggio New York

4.7

Exceptional(1668)

€€€€

• Italian • Upper East Side

Booked 15 times today

Created by restaurateur, chef and sommelier, Giuseppe Bruno, Caravaggio combines Italian hospitality with elegant cuisine, impeccable service, and one of New York's most celebrated wine collections.Inspired by the traditions of Italy, from handmade pastas and pristine seafood to gracious tableside service—is guided by a commitment to excellence. Whether for a business dinner, special celebration, or an evening among friends, Caravaggio offers a timeless dining experience in one of New York City's most sophisticated settings.Cancellation Policy: Reservations must be cancelled up to 24 hours in advance. Cancellations made within 24 hours, or no-shows, are subject to a $50 fee per guest.Dress Code: Smart casual attire. We kindly ask guests to refrain from wearing caps, shorts, sportswear, or flip-flops. In accordance with New York City Health Code regulations, pets are not permitted inside the restaurant. Service animals are always welcome.

4. Il Gattopardo

4.8

Exceptional(3516)

€€€€

• Italian • Midtown West

Booked 36 times today

Italian fine dining located at the amazing NYC landmark "The Rockefeller Townhouses", Il Gattopardo serves traditional southern Italian food that has been adapted for the contemporary palate without compromising the authenticity of the cuisine - which became a must to its loyal upscale New Yorker clientele for almost a quarter century. Il Gattopardo is committed to producing top quality gastronomy, to the use of authentic ingredients, and to keeping the tradition of Italian culture and hospitality, vibrant and passionate. Be well, keep in touch, and buon appetito! Paula and Gianfranco Sorrentino

5. Marlow East

4.6

Exceptional(562)

€€€€

• Contemporary American • Upper East Side

Booked 26 times today

"Marlow East is a sophisticated New American restaurant and cocktail lounge where nature inspired elegance meets culinary innovation. With interiors evoking the tranquility and charm of Central Park, wood accents, curated art, lush greenery, and sculptural lighting, our space invites guests into a serene yet vibrant dining experience. Executive Chef Braxton Decker presents a refined New American menu that reimagines seasonal ingredients through an elevated, modern lens. Dishes celebrate local flavors while incorporating global technique, delivering plates that are as thoughtful as they are flavorful. The bar program, led by Beverage Director Kat Foster, offers a meticulously crafted cocktail list highlighting inventive riffs on classic"

6. Aquavit

4.8

Exceptional(1895)

€€€€

• Nordic • Midtown East

Booked 5 times today

Two Michelin-starred and New York Times Three-starred Aquavit, located in Midtown Manhattan showcases seasonal, Modern Nordic fare and has been a pioneer of Nordic cuisine since opening in 1987. The restaurant has an extensive wine list as well as an aquavit infusion and cocktail program. The Bar Room offers an a la carte menu for a casual elegant experience. The Dining Room serves a 2 or 3 course prix fixe menu or a 5 course tasting menu for lunch and a 5 course tasting menu or a Chef's tasting menu for dinner. We also offer Private Dining spaces for both social and corporate gatherings.

A photo of City Perch Kitchen + Bar - Fort Lee restaurant

7. City Perch Kitchen + Bar - Fort Lee

4.4

Awesome(36)

€€€€

• Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service • Fort Lee

Booked 4 times today

City Perch Kitch + Bar offers seasonal American dining served up with the freshest local ingredients. Explore our sophisticated beverage program with inspired, handcrafted mixology.

8. Casa Cruz

4.5

Awesome(207)

€€€€

• Mediterranean • Upper East Side

Booked 28 times today

Need to Know:Please be advised that Casa Cruz maintains an elegant dress code and as such requires guests to be well attired at all times. The following items are respectfully discouraged: athletic wear, flip-flops or casual sandals, tank tops, t-shirts, baseball caps, and denim jeans. Entry may be refused to anyone unsuitably dressed. About Casa Cruz:Occupying an entire six-story Beaux-Arts townhouse on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, just a stone’s throw from Central Park, Casa Cruz is an exquisitely designed restaurant featuring multiple dining rooms, bars, special event spaces, and a year-round rooftop terrace, The Terrace at Casa Cruz.

A photo of Nougatine at Jean Georges restaurant

9. Nougatine at Jean Georges

4.8

Exceptional(5648)

€€€€

• Contemporary American • Upper West Side

Booked 21 times today

Nougatine is the more casual sister of Jean‑Georges, with a very lively bar scene at night. The restaurant attracts a mix of celebrities, socialites, and movers and shakers in the business world. Adjacent to the formal Jean‑Georges dining room, Nougatine serves the signature and seasonal dishes of Chef Jean‑Georges for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, 365 days a year. The menu is more casual than that offered at Jean‑Georges but still market driven, utilizing only the freshest and finest ingredients. In addition to providing gorgeous views of Central Park, the newly renovated dining room by Thomas Juul‑Hansen features a bustling, immaculate open kitchen. Tones of brown and cream mingle to create an elegant space that is soothing by day and exciting by night.

A photo of Bourbon Steak New York restaurant

10. Bourbon Steak New York

4.8

Exceptional(163)

€€€€

• Steak • Midtown

Booked 12 times today

Located in the iconic JW Marriott Essex House, Bourbon Steak New York is Chef Michael Mina’s love letter to the classic American steakhouse. Timeless steakhouse dishes are elevated by Chef Mina’s refined technique and infused with his arsenal of world flavors and creative flair. The restaurant accomplishes all the traditions expected from a steakhouse, offering the finest cuts of premium beef and seafood complimented by a cutting-edge wine and spirits program, and using local farmers and purveyors to highlight the region’s finest ingredients.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

E
EdgarGold
New York City •34 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Very good neighborhood restaurant. Good vibe and friendly service.
More info
Marlow East$$$$• Contemporary American• Upper East Side
•
4.6
J
JimGold
New York City •135 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
I had a delicious dinner at Nice Matin last night! I started with a burata salad with figs and tomatoes that I was sorry to finish, but it was so delicious! My main course I had a steak which was tasty and cooked to perfection with a side of asparagus. The wonderful new sommelier Carlos chose a Pinot Noir from the Wilmette Valley in Oregon, which was one of the best wines I’ve ever had. I left Nice Matin very happy!!!
More info
Nice Matin$$$$• French• Upper West Side
•
4.6
S
Stanley
New York City •1 review
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Excellent in all respects. Really enjoyable experience
More info
Caravaggio New York$$$$• Italian• Upper East Side
•
4.7
T
Travis
Tampa / Central Florida West •2 reviews
5.0
Dined on 23 Jul 2026
Extremely amazing experience at aquavit, we did the chefs tasting menu, every single dish was nearly too good to be true I especially enjoyed the scallops, the halibut, and their famous and beautiful artichoke birds nest, which I felt bad breaking , the flavor in every dish had depth mixed with perfect richness. over all 11/10 experience, at the end they even allowed us to meet the head chef and see the kitchen !
More info
Aquavit$$$$• Nordic• Midtown East
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4.8
S
STEPHENGold
New York City •113 reviews
5.0
Dined on 18 Apr 2026
Portions are huge Calamari appetizer and steak salads well prepared!!
More info
City Perch Kitchen + Bar - Fort Lee$$$$• Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service• Fort Lee
•
4.4

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